Casualty recovery (MOB) from the water to small keelboats is notoriously difficult. The Andrew Cassell Foundation with John Barnes a subject matter expert who has worked with the RNLI and other organisations have designed and arranged the production of the FastNet a sling based recovery system specifically suited to the needs of small keelboats and their crews. It was also developed to improve on other recovery devices for RIB’s and small powerboats vessels. FastNet Recovery system is available for purchase now.
FastNet Recovery System is a lightweight product which incurs little weight penalty when carried by racing keelboats. The Recovery system is an improvement on many commercial products because it is designed for use without a winch system, or a masthead halyard being involved. There are rods which stabilise FastNet RecoveryNet to make it easier to float the casualty into the net, and grab handles allow one small, light, crew to recover a waterlogged casualty (‘man’ overboard) and roll them safely into the hull.
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FAQ about the FastNet Recovery System
Why was the FastNet Recovery System development started?
The Foundation decided to develop the FastNet Recovery System after one of much loved participants, Elizabeth Wood, died during Foundation Activity after she fell overboard during a spinnaker hoist – something which she had done many times. Despite recovering her alongside within less than 45 seconds the crew were sadly unable to recover her to the boat before she collapsed in the water, and later died. This experience shows that recovering a casualty alongside is not enough, because on water support boats can be minutes away, and keelboats having organic capacity to recover people – disabled or not – extremely rapidly may save lives.
What evidence is there that recovering people to small keelboats, and other watercraft, is difficult?
The Foundation has become aware of a number of incidents where recovery of people into small keelboats (similar craft) has been difficult or impossible. Some of these are the subject of formal reports from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch – as indeed will be the incident which occurred during our activity, and which prompted the development of FastNet Recovery System.
Among the unreported incidents, since the loss of our participant, we have become aware of more than six events where the person was recovered, involving small keelboats (and other small watercraft including leisure fishing craft) on the Solent area.
The Foundation continues to encourage all those affected by near miss or incidents to report to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, or their equivalent national organisation so that sailing can become an even safer sport.
Can the FastNet be used on other boats
The FastNet has also been developed to be used on support boats, either RIBs or launches etc. Support boats often have difficulty in recovering MOB, whether conscious or unconscious, precious time may be lost deflating RIB sponsons if necessary, with recovery from the water when using support launches, may on occasions requiring outside assistance.
Who helped develop FastNet Recovery System?
The recovery net was developed by John Barnes and Matt Grier. (John Barnes, former ILB projects and trials manager), is an expert on operating small boats in extreme conditions having been a key member of the RNLI development and training team for 36 years. His understanding and insight together with analysis of actual events, and near events from the past have greatly assisted in producing a product with SeaSafe Systems which may save lives. John has volunteered his time, and has no connection to SeaSafe.
How was FastNet Recovery System developed?
The FastNet Recovery System was developed by the Foundation and a group of partners through a process facilitated and led by John Barnes, an independent subject matter expert who has worked for the RNLI and other lifesaving organisations. Through multiple trials in water with a representative (anthropodynamic) dummy, and under extremely carefully controlled circumstances live human testing. We found that in fact recovering the dummy was significantly more difficult than with a live human. The project developed through a series of prototypes and current product was produced by SeaSafe Systems.. The Foundation continues to refine the design. Matt Grier is the Director of the Andrew Cassell Foundation and a very substantially experienced keelboat coach with a special interest in disability sailing and racing.
What is FastNet Recovery System?
FastNet Recovery System is a sling based recovery device which is specifically designed for low freeboard race type keelboats. A 2:1 mechanical advantage coupled with the rolling action the net imparts to the in water casualty (‘man’ overboard) enables even crew who are lighter than, and less strong than the casualty, to recover the person overboard into the boat. RecoveryNet can be used effectively by one rescuer.
We are a racing boat? Is FastNet Recovery System a piece of heavy, awkward equipment?
The Andrew Cassell Foundation’s charitable purpose is “Racing For the Disabled” and we are a race led organisation to our core. To that end we have worked really hard to reduce the weight of the FastNet Recovery System to around 4kg, and have created packaging for the net which will enable you to stow it securely during racing. If you are still concerned about the impact on your racing, we’d like you to consider the impact of one of your crew not coming home after a person going overboard.
Does purchasing the FastNet Recovery System support the Andrew Cassell Foundation?
A portion of the purchase cost of every FastNet Recovery System (supplied by SeaSafe) is donated to the Andrew Cassell Foundation. We would be encouraging you to consider if a FastNet Recovery System could be part of your equipment
Who can help with training in the use of the FastNet Recovery System?
The Foundation also has available a manikin for training which it can loan. A donation of more than £40 (CCCA affiliates), or £50 all others is welcomed for this. This manikin is the same size as an adult male and when immersed simulates the weight and resistance posed by unconscious or disabled casualties.
Depending on capacity we may also be able to supply a demonstrator or demonstration team for some events and courses. This comes at a significant cost to the charity and we can only do this if it contributes to our charitable purpose of supporting Racing for the Disabled. A further donation to the charity would be one way we could justify this.
A poster advertising this service is available: https://acfsailing.teamapp.com/clubs/286366/store/items/117551?_detail=v1
Training video
A final note:
Recovery of a person from overboard (MOB) is an emergency action. Using the FastNet Recovery System may not prevent the immersed person or the crew from suffering injury. Regular training with the FastNet Recovery System in controlled conditions using a manikin which accurately represents the weight of a person may improve outcomes should an emergency occur. The Foundation cannot be responsible for the outcome of emergencies where the FastNet Recovery System is used. Race crews training hard together wins races… Regular training with safety equipment saves lives.
